RTI (Response to Intervention)
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RTI is a school process that screens all students, gives tiered extra instruction to those who struggle, and uses progress data to decide what help comes next.
Topic: Evaluation and assessment
In plain terms
Tier 1 is strong core instruction for everyone. Tier 2 adds small-group intervention for students below benchmark. Tier 3 is more intensive, individualized help. Throughout, progress is monitored with brief probes, and decisions about moving between tiers follow the data. IDEA lets states allow RTI data as part of identifying a specific learning disability.
How it shows up in an IEP
RTI data, especially progress monitoring graphs, often becomes part of the evaluation and present levels. RTI must not delay an evaluation: parents can request one at any time, and the school must respond.
Example
A first grader gets Tier 2 reading help for 10 weeks and makes little progress on weekly probes. The school asks for consent to evaluate while Tier 3 intervention begins.
Not the same as MTSS
RTI focuses mainly on academic intervention tiers. MTSS is the broader framework that also includes behavior and social-emotional supports. Read the definition of MTSS.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.307, 34 CFR §300.309.
Rules vary by state. Check your state's regulations and your district's procedures.
Related terms
- MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports)MTSS is a schoolwide framework that uses data to give every student the right level of academic, behavioral and social-emotional support.
- Universal screeningUniversal screening is a brief assessment given to all students, usually three times a year, to find those who may need extra support.
- Progress monitoringProgress monitoring is the regular, repeated measurement of a student's performance on a skill to check whether instruction is working.
- Specific learning disabilityA specific learning disability is a disorder in a basic learning process that affects listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, spelling or math.
- Child FindChild Find is the duty of every state and school district to identify, locate and evaluate all children with disabilities who may need special education.
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